9.2.2. Maven Settings Properties

You can also reference any properties in the Maven Local Settings file which is usually stored in ~/.m2/settings.xml. This file contains user-specific configuration such as the location of the local repository and any servers, profiles, and mirrors configured by a specific user.

A full reference for the Local Settings file and corresponding properties is available here http://maven.apache.org/ref/2.2.1/maven-settings/settings.html.